THE tradition of woodworking in the Chilterns has received a major boost with plans to set up a new centre to provide business opportunities for the furniture industry.

The Enterprise Gateway building will be on a 5.28 acre brownfield site at Princes Risborough which has been acquired for an undisclosed sum by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) from Ercol Furniture Ltd.

It will provide a permanent home for the Chilterns Enterprise Gateway, the initiative funded by SEEDA which has been running since the beginning of last year and headed by Susan Kurr.

The first four resident furniture design/makers, all former graduates of BCUC (Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College), are currently working out of premises in Littlewick Green.

The Gateway will comprise some 25,000 sq ft of high-quality shared craft furniture-making workshops, gallery space, design studios, a visitor centre with caf and office accommodation. There will also be access to professional support in planning, marketing and product development, along with training in management and skills with on-site mentors on hand to offer advice.

It is expected to be up and running within 18 months and SEEDA will work with local partners to bring forward design proposals for the building.

Peter Cusdin, SEEDA's development projects director said: "SEEDA's investment in the Enterprise Gateway facility will address the shortage of starter units in the area and provide a showcase for innovative new furniture projects and designs."

Susan Kurr said: "It is a real milestone for us and we can't wait to start the design and planning process to get the building underway."

Edward Tadros, chairman of Ercol Furniture Ltd said: "We are delighted to see such a boost being given to people just setting out in their business careers."